International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Open Access

Abstract

Cervical Radiculopathy: Focused on Primary Care

Jesús Guillermo Gañan-Vesga

Background: Cervical radiculopathy is an entity which frequently presents with upper extremity pain associated with neurologic symptoms caused by compression of nerve roots.

Purpose: This piece was made in order to understand better how this entity is produced and therefore how its symptoms develop.

Method: The ScienceDirect and ClinicalKey database were searched looking for articles which were selected and reviewed separately by both authors.

Results: Cervical radiculopathy has an increasing incidence, more common in man than in women. The most common symptom that makes patient to consult is movement impairment of the upper limb, followed but paresthesia, among others. Degenerative changes associated to a proinflammatory cascade are the mechanism by which it develops that leads to the narrowing of the foraminal spaces and pain. Although diagnostic imaging improves every day, the diagnosis is made after a complete medical history and physical exam, including all the provocative maneuvers. Non-pharmacologic treatment must be done at first using different options and lastly surgery when in needed.